The White House

I know you are all wondering about the new digs - these are old pictures from our very first campout in the house. Watching conference in the living room - stairs go up to 2 girls rooms. Viewpoint from edge of Kitchen.

To the right of the framed shape on the front wall - the master bedroom, the laundry room (bright), the bathroom is to the far right, and on the far left is the down stairs (directly under upstairs).

Now you see why I call it the White house - besides the fact that the outside is white. This is the kitchen. Smaller kitchens definitely clean up quicker! To the left of the fridge is the living room - and to the right of this pic is the back door.

 Ah, yes - the aforementioned back door. Here is our dining table - straight from Costco! I figure wherever we go, whatever we do, we will always be able to use a folding table and chairs!

That does it for today. Have a wonderful day!

How to make Sauerkraut

As soon as I saw three heads of cabbage in my bountiful basket (2 regular plus my one extra for helping), I knew I'd be making Sauerkraut. Had to call my mom for directions, but it really couldn't be easier. Here's how to do it:

First, Shred your cabbage. I use my Salad King that I ordered off of Ebay - the crinkle slice cone.

Next, Put the cabbage in a big bowl.

Then add salt - 3 1/2 Tbsp per 5 lbs of cabbage:

Mix it well - here's my helpers:

Then pack very tightly into jars. Pack until you see water/liquid coming up. Put lids on the jars - old lids work fine for this. Store jars in a dark area - on a cookie sheet just in case of leakage - for about a week. Replace the lids with new ones and tighten. Then process (boil) jars in a boiling water bath (that covers the lids) for 15 minutes.

It's really that easy! My favorite way to use the sauerkraut is to put some pork chops - or any type of pork really - into the crock pot and top with a jar of sauerkraut. Cook 3 hours (or so) on high. I start mine before church and it's ready when I get home. SO tasy!

Bountiful Baskets Review

So, for the past few weeks, I've been getting a Bountiful Basket. It's been a great way to encourage more eating of fruits and vegetables in variety. I am thoroughly hooked! It's a great way for non-gardeners to have fresh produce on a regular basis. I have had to wait for fruit to ripen occasionally, but that is a minor issue. As my camera has been MIA - I only have a pic of the Tropical Fruit add-on that you can order. What you might not be able to identify is mint and vanilla beans - both in bags. It was fun for a one-time order, but I wouldn't order it regularly. This week, I'm getting my regular basket - and I'll get pics and add on here for you all. Also I've added the Mexican Basket so I can make some fabulous salsa. I highly recommend getting a Bountiful Basket. Check out the web site for FAQ and further details. As it is a food co-op you don't order - you contribute - Contributions are accepted Monday noon through Tuesday Midnight. As you order you select your pickup location. It's $15.00 plus $3.00 just for your first time basket. If you go early to the pickup and help sort the produce, you get extra produce :) Works really great for us - this week I got an extra Cantelope and cabbage and 2 cucumbers. (2 bigs, 2 littles). More pics to come....

14 June 2011

Good morning! This summer I have just been dragging! I guess I need a good reason to get out of bed :) I am finally up and going now, though. The RS ladies are coming this morning for a visit. Looking forward to getting to know them better. Not really too much going on - and that's really how I like it! Kimball is anxiously awaiting a promised trip to a store to purchase some makeup for her upcoming birthday. So exciting!

I continue to work at the family history....I'm hoping to make it through some of my note papers and be able to toss them :) That would be really nice. Took a minute to see if I could find a replacement battery charger - I'll look for one more day before I order one :)

Beautiful weather here - perfect for line-drying clothes. Make it a great day!

12 June 2011

Wonderful Stake Conference! So many notes taken - looking forward to reading and re-reading them. Still haven't found my camera charger - might have to get a new one! Ah, well! I do want to post some pics of the new digs here for you all :) Hopefully soon! I have lots of fun plans for this week. So looking forward to it all! Hope your week is good too!

11 June 2011

Busy week for us here - our Primary went to the temple! It truly is different traveling with boys in the car :) The next day I went with my Webelos to day camp and we were rained/snowed/mudded/colded out and went home early. What an adventure! Fed the elders the next day and finally we have Saturday here!

Stake Conference this weekend! So looking forward to it. Hope all is well with you!

7 June 2011

Good morning! I'm up and going - got a couple of projects today. Just cleaning things....I'll let you know how it goes :)

My girls are sequestered in their rooms until they get them cleaned up - should be a quiet day all in all! Still waiting on my computer projects - but still plenty busy in the meantime. Somehow I've lost my camera battery charger. UGH! So pictures are on hold......I hope it shows up soon!

So nice to hear from all of you - looking forward to hearing more about what you are up to :) Make it a great day!

1 June 2011

Almost all over my cold! What a difference a week makes. Our exciting news this morning is that Taylor lost her first tooth just a couple of minutes ago! She is so excited!

Still working on getting my computer back 100% - my second hard drive is still off-line (not being recognized) and it has some things I wanted to work on this week. Oh well! I've emailed my computer helper and hopefully will be accessible soon.

We're heading to Chuck & Sue's for the day. Have a wonderful day too!